King Rail

Scientific name: Rallus elegans

Largely confined to the southeastern U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, the King Rail occasionally breeds much farther north, including southern Ontario. Little is known about the King Rail’s migratory behavior, but they are thought to be solitary nocturnal migrants.

The primary means of locomotion in King Rails is walking or running. King Rails seldom fly unless they are migrating or are closely approached by a predator. They are also capable of swimming. Running chases are used to defend nesting territories from intruders.

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